Elizabeth Rous, Upper School Counselor and AP Psychology Teacher
Ashley Spruill, Middle School Counselor
HRA’s school counselors are ready for summer—but they have one last assignment for students and their families as they prepare for their break
Is it summer yet? How many days until summer vacation? I can’t wait for summer!
These exclamations begin May 1 in the halls of HRA. Looking ahead to summer vacation and all of the possibilities that only summer vacation can bring are often the tonic that gets students (and faculty) through the last month of school.
While it is tempting to look forward, it is also important to pause, breathe, and reflect. Reflection is a powerful exercise in self-growth. Socrates’ famous assertion that the unexamined life is not worth living still holds today. Increasing self awareness, learning from mistakes, and honing belief systems are important aspects of development.
Encourage your child to spend some time reflecting on the past school year. What words would they use to describe themself on the first day of school? On the last day of school? What challenges did they overcome during the school year? What goals were met or modified? What have they learned about themselves over the course of this school year?
Summer offers the perfect time for this important reflection and growth to take place. Engaging in self-reflection allows for recognition of patterns of success or challenge, increases emotional well-being, and builds resilience. Reflection is a time for slowing down and recharging after a long school year, allowing students to return in August ready to learn.
So, while you and your family enjoy all that the months ahead will bring, make this summer assignment a priority. Your child’s future self will thank you.
